Chapter Text
I couldn’t help but smile as Hau looked away. “I’m not crying!”
Elio wrapped his arm around Hau. “It’s ok, buddy.”
Hau sniffled, but smiled at me. “If you ever come back to Alola, please come visit us.”
My smile widened. “Of course I will.” Hau came over to me and hugged me, making me hug him back. “Thank you for making this journey interesting.”
“Thank you for making it fun,” Hau added before he pulled away.
I looked at Kukui. “Promise you’ll keep an eye on the league?”
“I promise. You go conquer the Kanto region,” Professor Kukui replied, giving me a gentle smile.
I nodded. “Will do.” I looked at Elio. “Don’t break anything.”
“No promises,” Elio teased, smiling.
I smiled back. “That’s my doppelganger.” Elio’s smile widened before I looked over at Gladion. “You actually came?”
He sighed as he came over to us. “Don’t make a big deal about it.” I shrugged before he stopped in front of me. “Just promise me you won’t get involved with another person like Lusamine.”
“Can’t make any promises,” I replied, making him sigh.
“Don't worry. If she gets in any trouble, I’ll protect her!” Chase assured.
“Yeah. That makes me feel so much better,” Gladion sarcastically replied, making me shove his shoulder.
“He may be almost three years younger than me, but he’s stronger than he looks.”
“Yeah. Little twerp always beats me at arm wrestling,” Elio replied.
“That just means you’re a weakling,” Gladion replied, making Elio punch his arm. Gladion punched his arm back, clearly harder.
I rolled my eyes. “Stop fighting, you idiots.”
“He started it,” Elio replied, pointing to Gladion. He just rolled his eyes and shoved his hands in his pockets.
“The boat will leave soon. We have to go,” Aunt Brielle said, cocking her head towards the ship.
I nodded. “Right.” I looked back at the three boys and smiled. “See you whenever.”
“You too,” Hau replied.
I took a deep breath before I looked at Gladion. I then hugged him, making him flinch. But, he slowly hugged me back. “Thank you, Gladion. For everything,” I softly said.
“And thank you, Rayne,” he whispered, placing his hand over my head.
I smiled, stayed put for a few more moments, then pulled away. “All of you be careful.”
“No promises!” Elio teased, making Hau smile.
I just shook my head before I waved and followed Aunt Brielle and Chase onto the boat. I’ll be an almost 15 year old traveling through a region that’s explored by 12 year olds. The journey through Kanto may be slightly easier than Alola, but I’m sure I’ll make some stupid but fun memories there too. Especially since an evil team is already waiting for me. What makes Kanto any different?